US20170367748A1 - Universal bone screw screwdriver - Google Patents
Universal bone screw screwdriver Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170367748A1 US20170367748A1 US15/700,774 US201715700774A US2017367748A1 US 20170367748 A1 US20170367748 A1 US 20170367748A1 US 201715700774 A US201715700774 A US 201715700774A US 2017367748 A1 US2017367748 A1 US 2017367748A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tool bit
- handle
- elongated tool
- torque limiting
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 210000000988 bone and bone Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 230000000399 orthopedic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 208000010392 Bone Fractures Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003786 synthesis reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/56—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor
- A61B17/58—Surgical instruments or methods for treatment of bones or joints; Devices specially adapted therefor for osteosynthesis, e.g. bone plates, screws, setting implements or the like
- A61B17/88—Osteosynthesis instruments; Methods or means for implanting or extracting internal or external fixation devices
- A61B17/8875—Screwdrivers, spanners or wrenches
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B15/00—Screwdrivers
- B25B15/001—Screwdrivers characterised by material or shape of the tool bit
- B25B15/004—Screwdrivers characterised by material or shape of the tool bit characterised by cross-section
- B25B15/005—Screwdrivers characterised by material or shape of the tool bit characterised by cross-section with cross- or star-shaped cross-section
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/0007—Connections or joints between tool parts
- B25B23/0042—Connection means between screwdriver handle and screwdriver shaft
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B23/00—Details of, or accessories for, spanners, wrenches, screwdrivers
- B25B23/14—Arrangement of torque limiters or torque indicators in wrenches or screwdrivers
- B25B23/141—Mechanical overload release couplings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25G—HANDLES FOR HAND IMPLEMENTS
- B25G1/00—Handle constructions
- B25G1/10—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape
- B25G1/105—Handle constructions characterised by material or shape for screwdrivers, wrenches or spanners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00367—Details of actuation of instruments, e.g. relations between pushing buttons, or the like, and activation of the tool, working tip, or the like
- A61B2017/00407—Ratchet means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/0046—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable
- A61B2017/00464—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets with a releasable handle; with handle and operating part separable for use with different instruments
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/03—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety
- A61B2090/031—Automatic limiting or abutting means, e.g. for safety torque limiting
Definitions
- the embodiments of the present invention relate to a universal bone screw screwdriver for use with interchangeable tool bits made by different screw and bone plate manufacturers. More specifically, the invention relates to a universal bone screw screwdriver that allows for a user to select the tool bit that is compatible with the screw that the user is trying to manipulate and further can prevent the user from over-tightening the screw in the bone or the bone plate.
- a universal screwdriver capable of removing screws made by different bone screw and plate manufacturers.
- a driver shaft is adapted to receive interchangeable tool bits that are suitable for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers.
- a recess is disposed in the driver shaft for receiving a torque limiting spring which will secure the tool bit in the shaft.
- the torque limiting spring is removable and hence, permits the tool bit to be replaceably removed from the shaft and further, when the tool bit is disposed in the driver shaft the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws.
- a second embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated tool bit that is suitable to for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers.
- a recess is disposed along the handle for receiving a torque-limiting spring which will secure the elongated tool bit to the handle.
- the torque limiting spring is removable and hence, permits the elongated tool bit to be replaceably removed from the handle and further, when in use, the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws.
- the elongated tool bit may be hollow to allow the screwdriver to be used in conjunction with Kershner wires and cannulated screws.
- a third embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated tool bit that is suitable to for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers.
- a recess is disposed along the handle or the shaft for receiving a torque-limiting spring which will secure the elongated tool bit to the handle or the shaft.
- the torque limiting spring can include a two piece assembly that is removable and hence, permits the elongated tool bit to be replaceably removed from the handle or the shaft and further, when in use, the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws.
- an object of the instant invention is to provide an improved universal screwdriver for use with the bone screws of many companies.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed with a preferred embodiment of an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the driver shaft and tool bit interface constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tool bit visible through the recess
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the driver shaft securing a tool bit using the torque limiting spring in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the manner in which the torque limiting spring is connected to the driver shaft and is used to inhibit over-tightening of the screw in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a torque limiting spring to be used in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring in the “lock position” constructed in accordance an embodiment of the instant invention
- FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring in the “torque position” constructed in accordance an embodiment of the instant invention.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed as an embodiment of the instant invention.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of universal screwdriver constructed as an embodiment of the instant invention.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed in accordance with annotated embodiment of the instant invention.
- FIG. 13 is an perspective view of a torque limiting spring assembly to be used in accordance with embodiment depicted in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the spring assembly depicted in FIG. 13 in combination with universal screw driver depicted in FIG. 12 .
- a universal screwdriver generally indicated as 10 in FIG. 1 is provided.
- the universal screwdriver includes a handle 12 , a driver shaft 14 , a tool bit 16 , a recess 30 and a torque limiting spring 20 .
- the tool bit illustrated therein is representative of the type of screws manufactured by numerous different companies, such as Synthes, Ostiomed, Villex, and Stryker as well as other orthopedic device manufacturers.
- the tool bit design will have a unique configuration such as a cruciform or hexagram or other types of configurations and each manufacturer has a tool bit configuration that is unique to the company.
- These tool bit configurations are designed to mate with a screw and hence, the screwdrivers provided by each company are not suitable for use with the screws of another company.
- tool bit 16 illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 is by way of example only, and is not limiting in any sense to the instant invention.
- the driver shaft 14 is connected to the handle 12 as depicted in FIG. 1 .
- One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the mechanism by which the driver shaft 14 is connected to the handle.
- a recess 30 is disposed on the driver shaft 14 which can allow the inside of the driver shaft 14 to be externally visible.
- An elongated opening 22 extends through the driver shaft 14 .
- the shank of the tool bit 16 has a uniformed cross-sectional dimension and is adapted to be received in the opening 22 .
- the shank of the tool bit is inserted into the opening 22 formed in driver shaft 14 and comes to rest at the thrust bearing surface 26 inside the driver shaft 14 as shown in FIG. 5 .
- a slot 28 which includes a flat 29 (as shown in FIG. 4 ), is provided in each of the tool bits and is brought into alignment with the recess 30 formed in the each shaft on the tool bit.
- the torque limiting spring 20 is the locking mechanism to secure the tool bit into the driver shaft 14 as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the tool bit can be locked into the driver shaft 14 .
- the preferred dimensions of the torque limiting spring are depicted in FIG. 7 , but by no means is limiting in any sense to the instant invention.
- the torque limiting spring 20 is inserted in the recess 30 to secure the tool bit 16 into the driver shaft 14 and thereby preventing any actual displacement of the tool bit. Removal of the spring to permit replacement of the tool bit is provided by snapping the torque limiting spring 20 on or off thereby permitting the tool bit to be easily removed or attached.
- the torque limiting spring 20 will rest against the flat 29 during each rotation of the handle 12 and will inhibit the over-tightening of the screw in the bone or in the plate as the case may be.
- the tool bit 16 When the tool bit 16 is engaged with the screw, as the user rotates the handle 12 , the tool bit 16 will encounter resistance from turning the screw into the bone or bone plate.
- the torque limiting spring 20 As torque is applied to the bone screw, the torque limiting spring 20 will start to be lifted by the flat 29 .
- the torque applied to the bone screw reaches the pre-set torque value of the torque limiting spring 20 , the torque limiting spring 20 will become disengaged from the flat 29 .
- the driver shaft 14 can continue to be rotated, but the tool bit 16 will have ceased rotating, thus inhibiting a user from over-tightening a screw into the bone or bone plate.
- the user can select the desired torque limitation by utilizing a torque limiting spring 20 that conforms to the user's needs.
- the torque limiting spring 20 comprises a flat arm 21 flexibly connected on one end to a semicircular arm 23 as depicted in FIG. 7 .
- the torque limiting spring 20 further comprises a notch 25 on the interior surface where the flat arm 23 is flexibly connected to the semicircular arm 25 as depicted in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6 .
- a flush hole 24 may be disposed on the driver shaft 14 .
- the flush hole 24 extends into the thrust bearing surface 26 .
- the thrust bearing surface 26 does not extend through the entire diameter of the driver shaft 14 . Rather the thrust bearing surface 26 extends perpendicularly to the wall of the driver shaft 14 such that the area behind the tool bit 16 is accessible. In this manner, the flush hole 24 permits the area that receives the shaft of the tool bit 16 to be easily autoclaved and cleaned and any bone debris can be removed between usages.
- a universal screwdriver generally indicated as 10 ′ in FIGS. 10-11 is provided.
- the universal screwdriver includes a handle 12 ′, an elongated tool bit 31 , a recess 30 ′, and a torque limiting and locking spring 20 ′.
- the elongated tool bit 31 is adapted to engage with interchangeable bone screws.
- the elongated tool bit 31 can either be composed of a single piece that extends into the handle as shown in FIG. 11 , or optionally composed of two separated pieces, a driver shaft 16 and a tool bit 14 , as shown in FIGS. 1-3 .
- Multiple elongated tool bits are provided, each having different tips to engage with different configurations of bone screws.
- a recess 30 ′ is disposed along the handle 12 ′ such that the inside of the handle is externally visible.
- An elongated opening 22 ′ extends through the handle 12 ′.
- the elongated tool bit 31 is adapted to be received in the opening 22 ′.
- the elongated tool bit 31 is inserted into the opening 22 ′ and comes to rest at the thrust bearing surface 26 ′ inside the handle 12 ′ as shown in FIG. 11 .
- a slot 28 ′ which includes a flat surface 29 ′ (as shown in FIG. 11 ), is provided in each of the elongated tool bits 31 and is brought into alignment with the recess 30 ′ formed the handle 12 ′.
- the slot 28 ′ formed by the flat surface 29 ′ is axially positioned on the elongated tool bit so that when the elongated tool bit 31 is inserted up, into and in abutment to the thrust bearing surface 26 ′, slot 28 ′ of the elongated tool bit 31 is brought into alignment with the recess 30 ′ in the handle 12 ′.
- a spring 20 ′ can be inserted to secure the elongated tool bit 31 within the handle 12 ′.
- the spring 20 ′ is inserted into the recess 30 ′ to secure the elongated tool bit 31 into the handle 12 ′ and thereby prevent any actual displacement of the elongated tool bit. Removal of the spring to permit replacement of the elongated tool bit is provided by snapping the spring 20 ′ on or off thereby permitting the elongated tool bit to be easily removed and/or attached. It should be noted that the torque limiting spring 20 can be used as an alternative to the spring 20 ′ in this embodiment of the instant invention, without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the spring 20 ′ will rest against the flat surface 29 ′ during each rotation of the handle 12 ′.
- the spring 20 ′ comprises at least a first arm having first and second opening ( 27 and 28 ) and a flat arm 21 ′.
- the spring 20 ′ also comprises a notch 25 ′ where the first arm and the flat arm meet.
- a first opening 27 of the spring 20 ′ is designed such that it will not disengage from the elongated tool bit 31 , regardless of the amount of torque applied to the screwdriver. That is, the user can impart unrestricted torque to the universal screwdriver in the “lock” position of the spring 20 ′ without spring 20 ′ being displaced when used in the position as shown in FIG. 8 .
- the second opening 28 is designed such that the spring 20 ′ will disengage from the elongated tool bit 31 after a sufficient amount of torque is applied to the screwdriver 10 ′ in use.
- the universal screwdriver 10 ′ is assembled and the spring 20 ′ is positioned such that the second opening 28 engages the elongated tool bit 31 as shown in FIG. 9 , as the user applies torque to the screwdriver, the elongated tool bit 31 will encounter resistance. When such resistance exceeds the pre-set torque value of the torque limited spring 20 ′, the spring 20 ′will become disengaged, and accordingly the screwdriver 10 ′ will no longer be able to impart force on the elongated tool bit 31 .
- the handle 12 ′ can continue to be rotated, but the elongated tool bit 31 will have ceased rotating, thus inhibiting a user from over-tightening a screw into the bone or bone plate.
- the user can select the desired torque limitation by utilizing a spring 20 ′ that conforms to the user's needs.
- the elongated tool bit 31 may be hollow along the longitudinal axis in order to accept a Kershner wire, or the like, along such longitudinal axis and create a continuous channel with a cannulated screw.
- spring 20 or 20 ′ could be located at any position along the elongated tool bit 31 depicted in FIGS. 9-11 without departing from the scope of invention.
- FIGS. 12 thru 14 wherein a two piece spring assembly, generally indicated as 50 that can be used in combination with each of the embodiments described herein is depicted.
- the spring assembly 50 includes a metal C-shaped torque limiting spring 51 , and a plastic insert 52 that facilitates positioning spring assembly into a shaft or handle in the manner depicted in FIG. 12 .
- the torque limiting spring is otherwise intended to operate in the same manner as the springs depicted in FIGS. 1 thru 11 .
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Details Of Spanners, Wrenches, And Screw Drivers And Accessories (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/827,929, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,757,175 on Sep. 12, 2017, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/295,738 filed Nov. 14, 2011, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,107,721 on Aug. 18, 2015, and also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/456,746 filed Nov. 12, 2010, entitled UNIVERSAL BONE SCREW SCREWDRIVER, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The embodiments of the present invention relate to a universal bone screw screwdriver for use with interchangeable tool bits made by different screw and bone plate manufacturers. More specifically, the invention relates to a universal bone screw screwdriver that allows for a user to select the tool bit that is compatible with the screw that the user is trying to manipulate and further can prevent the user from over-tightening the screw in the bone or the bone plate.
- Heretofore, use of bone screws and bone plates have become a significant aide in the treatment of bone fracture repair. There are numerous manufacturers that supply the plates and bone screws to hospitals and other surgical centers to permit open reduction internal fixation. Although the efficacy of the bone plates and bone screws has been established as a standard of care over many years, certain problems have arisen regarding the after care that may occur with respect thereto. For example, when a patient that has an open reduction internal fixation procedure performed and is suddenly brought to an emergency room for treatment, it is incumbent upon the hospital or treatment facility to have an inventory of each of the screwdrivers necessary to remove each company's particular screws. Because each company uses different types of screws, it is not assured that the hospital or treatment facility will have the correct screwdriver. Further, even if the appropriate screwdriver is available, it is not assured that there will be time to sterilize the screwdriver for several hours as is required by emergency room protocol.
- Accordingly, a universal screwdriver that is suitable for use with the screw heads of each manufacturer of screw and bone plates is desirable.
- Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, a universal screwdriver capable of removing screws made by different bone screw and plate manufacturers is provided. A driver shaft is adapted to receive interchangeable tool bits that are suitable for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers. A recess is disposed in the driver shaft for receiving a torque limiting spring which will secure the tool bit in the shaft. The torque limiting spring is removable and hence, permits the tool bit to be replaceably removed from the shaft and further, when the tool bit is disposed in the driver shaft the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws.
- A second embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated tool bit that is suitable to for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers. A recess is disposed along the handle for receiving a torque-limiting spring which will secure the elongated tool bit to the handle. The torque limiting spring is removable and hence, permits the elongated tool bit to be replaceably removed from the handle and further, when in use, the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws. The elongated tool bit may be hollow to allow the screwdriver to be used in conjunction with Kershner wires and cannulated screws.
- A third embodiment of the present invention comprises an elongated tool bit that is suitable to for use with the screw heads of different manufacturers. A recess is disposed along the handle or the shaft for receiving a torque-limiting spring which will secure the elongated tool bit to the handle or the shaft. The torque limiting spring can include a two piece assembly that is removable and hence, permits the elongated tool bit to be replaceably removed from the handle or the shaft and further, when in use, the torque limiting spring inhibits over tightening of the bone screws.
- Accordingly, an object of the instant invention is to provide an improved universal screwdriver for use with the bone screws of many companies.
- In the drawing figures, which are merely illustrative, and wherein like reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed with a preferred embodiment of an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the driver shaft and tool bit interface constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the tool bit visible through the recess; -
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the driver shaft securing a tool bit using the torque limiting spring in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the manner in which the torque limiting spring is connected to the driver shaft and is used to inhibit over-tightening of the screw in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a torque limiting spring to be used in accordance with an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring in the “lock position” constructed in accordance an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the driver shaft, tool bit and torque limiting spring in the “torque position” constructed in accordance an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed as an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of universal screwdriver constructed as an embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the universal screwdriver constructed in accordance with annotated embodiment of the instant invention; -
FIG. 13 is an perspective view of a torque limiting spring assembly to be used in accordance with embodiment depicted inFIG. 12 ; and -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the spring assembly depicted inFIG. 13 in combination with universal screw driver depicted inFIG. 12 . - Generally speaking, in accordance with the instant invention, a universal screwdriver generally indicated as 10 in
FIG. 1 is provided. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , the universal screwdriver includes ahandle 12, adriver shaft 14, atool bit 16, arecess 30 and atorque limiting spring 20. With specific references toFIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , the tool bit illustrated therein is representative of the type of screws manufactured by numerous different companies, such as Synthes, Ostiomed, Villex, and Stryker as well as other orthopedic device manufacturers. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , the tool bit design will have a unique configuration such as a cruciform or hexagram or other types of configurations and each manufacturer has a tool bit configuration that is unique to the company. These tool bit configurations are designed to mate with a screw and hence, the screwdrivers provided by each company are not suitable for use with the screws of another company. Accordingly,tool bit 16 illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3 and 4 , is by way of example only, and is not limiting in any sense to the instant invention. - The
driver shaft 14 is connected to thehandle 12 as depicted inFIG. 1 . One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the mechanism by which thedriver shaft 14 is connected to the handle. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , arecess 30 is disposed on thedriver shaft 14 which can allow the inside of thedriver shaft 14 to be externally visible. Anelongated opening 22 extends through thedriver shaft 14. The shank of thetool bit 16 has a uniformed cross-sectional dimension and is adapted to be received in the opening 22. The shank of the tool bit is inserted into theopening 22 formed indriver shaft 14 and comes to rest at thethrust bearing surface 26 inside thedriver shaft 14 as shown inFIG. 5 . Aslot 28, which includes a flat 29 (as shown inFIG. 4 ), is provided in each of the tool bits and is brought into alignment with therecess 30 formed in the each shaft on the tool bit. When the shaft of the tool bit is inserted up, into and against thethrust bearing surface 26 so that the tool bit is brought into alignment with therecess 30 in thedriver shaft 14, a locking mechanism can be inserted to secure the tool bit within thedriver shaft 14. - In one embodiment, the
torque limiting spring 20 is the locking mechanism to secure the tool bit into thedriver shaft 14 as depicted inFIGS. 3 and 4 . One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate other methods by which the tool bit can be locked into thedriver shaft 14. - The preferred dimensions of the torque limiting spring are depicted in
FIG. 7 , but by no means is limiting in any sense to the instant invention. When theslot 28 of the tool bit is brought into alignment with therecess 30, thetorque limiting spring 20 is inserted in therecess 30 to secure thetool bit 16 into thedriver shaft 14 and thereby preventing any actual displacement of the tool bit. Removal of the spring to permit replacement of the tool bit is provided by snapping thetorque limiting spring 20 on or off thereby permitting the tool bit to be easily removed or attached. - Additionally, in this position, the
torque limiting spring 20 will rest against the flat 29 during each rotation of thehandle 12 and will inhibit the over-tightening of the screw in the bone or in the plate as the case may be. When thetool bit 16 is engaged with the screw, as the user rotates thehandle 12, thetool bit 16 will encounter resistance from turning the screw into the bone or bone plate. As torque is applied to the bone screw, thetorque limiting spring 20 will start to be lifted by the flat 29. When the torque applied to the bone screw reaches the pre-set torque value of thetorque limiting spring 20, thetorque limiting spring 20 will become disengaged from the flat 29. At this point, thedriver shaft 14 can continue to be rotated, but thetool bit 16 will have ceased rotating, thus inhibiting a user from over-tightening a screw into the bone or bone plate. The user can select the desired torque limitation by utilizing atorque limiting spring 20 that conforms to the user's needs. - In one embodiment, the
torque limiting spring 20 comprises aflat arm 21 flexibly connected on one end to asemicircular arm 23 as depicted inFIG. 7 . In another embodiment, thetorque limiting spring 20 further comprises anotch 25 on the interior surface where theflat arm 23 is flexibly connected to thesemicircular arm 25 as depicted inFIGS. 2, 4, and 6 . - In another embodiment, a
flush hole 24 may be disposed on thedriver shaft 14. Theflush hole 24 extends into thethrust bearing surface 26. When aflush hole 24 is provided, thethrust bearing surface 26 does not extend through the entire diameter of thedriver shaft 14. Rather thethrust bearing surface 26 extends perpendicularly to the wall of thedriver shaft 14 such that the area behind thetool bit 16 is accessible. In this manner, theflush hole 24 permits the area that receives the shaft of thetool bit 16 to be easily autoclaved and cleaned and any bone debris can be removed between usages. - In another embodiment, with like numerals used to reference like elements in the embodiments described above, a universal screwdriver generally indicated as 10′ in
FIGS. 10-11 is provided. In the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 10-11 , the universal screwdriver includes ahandle 12′, anelongated tool bit 31, arecess 30′, and a torque limiting and lockingspring 20′. Theelongated tool bit 31 is adapted to engage with interchangeable bone screws. Theelongated tool bit 31 can either be composed of a single piece that extends into the handle as shown inFIG. 11 , or optionally composed of two separated pieces, adriver shaft 16 and atool bit 14, as shown inFIGS. 1-3 . Multiple elongated tool bits are provided, each having different tips to engage with different configurations of bone screws. - A
recess 30′ is disposed along thehandle 12′ such that the inside of the handle is externally visible. Anelongated opening 22′ extends through thehandle 12′. Theelongated tool bit 31 is adapted to be received in theopening 22′. Theelongated tool bit 31 is inserted into theopening 22′ and comes to rest at thethrust bearing surface 26′ inside thehandle 12′ as shown inFIG. 11 . - A
slot 28′, which includes aflat surface 29′ (as shown inFIG. 11 ), is provided in each of theelongated tool bits 31 and is brought into alignment with therecess 30′ formed thehandle 12′. Theslot 28′ formed by theflat surface 29′ is axially positioned on the elongated tool bit so that when theelongated tool bit 31 is inserted up, into and in abutment to thethrust bearing surface 26′, slot 28′ of theelongated tool bit 31 is brought into alignment with therecess 30′ in thehandle 12′. Thus, aspring 20′ can be inserted to secure theelongated tool bit 31 within thehandle 12′. - When the
slot 28′ of theelongated tool bit 31 is brought into alignment with therecess 30′, thespring 20′ is inserted into therecess 30′ to secure theelongated tool bit 31 into thehandle 12′ and thereby prevent any actual displacement of the elongated tool bit. Removal of the spring to permit replacement of the elongated tool bit is provided by snapping thespring 20′ on or off thereby permitting the elongated tool bit to be easily removed and/or attached. It should be noted that thetorque limiting spring 20 can be used as an alternative to thespring 20′ in this embodiment of the instant invention, without departing from the scope of the invention. - Additionally, in this position, the
spring 20′ will rest against theflat surface 29′ during each rotation of thehandle 12′. Thespring 20′ comprises at least a first arm having first and second opening (27 and 28) and aflat arm 21′. Thespring 20′ also comprises anotch 25′ where the first arm and the flat arm meet. Afirst opening 27 of thespring 20′ is designed such that it will not disengage from theelongated tool bit 31, regardless of the amount of torque applied to the screwdriver. That is, the user can impart unrestricted torque to the universal screwdriver in the “lock” position of thespring 20′ withoutspring 20′ being displaced when used in the position as shown inFIG. 8 . - The
second opening 28 is designed such that thespring 20′ will disengage from theelongated tool bit 31 after a sufficient amount of torque is applied to thescrewdriver 10′ in use. When theuniversal screwdriver 10′ is assembled and thespring 20′ is positioned such that thesecond opening 28 engages theelongated tool bit 31 as shown inFIG. 9 , as the user applies torque to the screwdriver, theelongated tool bit 31 will encounter resistance. When such resistance exceeds the pre-set torque value of the torque limitedspring 20′, thespring 20′will become disengaged, and accordingly thescrewdriver 10′ will no longer be able to impart force on theelongated tool bit 31. Accordingly, thehandle 12′ can continue to be rotated, but theelongated tool bit 31 will have ceased rotating, thus inhibiting a user from over-tightening a screw into the bone or bone plate. The user can select the desired torque limitation by utilizing aspring 20′ that conforms to the user's needs. - In another embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 11 , theelongated tool bit 31 may be hollow along the longitudinal axis in order to accept a Kershner wire, or the like, along such longitudinal axis and create a continuous channel with a cannulated screw. - It should be noted that the
spring elongated tool bit 31 depicted inFIGS. 9-11 without departing from the scope of invention. - Reference is also made to
FIGS. 12 thru 14, wherein a two piece spring assembly, generally indicated as 50 that can be used in combination with each of the embodiments described herein is depicted. The spring assembly 50 includes a metal C-shaped torque limiting spring 51, and aplastic insert 52 that facilitates positioning spring assembly into a shaft or handle in the manner depicted inFIG. 12 . The torque limiting spring is otherwise intended to operate in the same manner as the springs depicted inFIGS. 1 thru 11. - Thus, while there have been shown and described and pointed out novel features of the present invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the claims appended hereto.
- It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall there between. In particular, this invention should not be construed as being limited to the dimensions, proportions or arrangements disclosed herein.
Claims (5)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/700,774 US10413345B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2017-09-11 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US16/571,916 US20200008854A1 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2019-09-16 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US45674610P | 2010-11-12 | 2010-11-12 | |
US13/295,738 US9107721B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2011-11-14 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US14/827,929 US9757175B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2015-08-17 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US15/700,774 US10413345B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2017-09-11 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/827,929 Continuation-In-Part US9757175B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2015-08-17 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/571,916 Continuation US20200008854A1 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2019-09-16 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20170367748A1 true US20170367748A1 (en) | 2017-12-28 |
US10413345B2 US10413345B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
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ID=60675147
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/700,774 Expired - Fee Related US10413345B2 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2017-09-11 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US16/571,916 Abandoned US20200008854A1 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2019-09-16 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/571,916 Abandoned US20200008854A1 (en) | 2010-11-12 | 2019-09-16 | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US10413345B2 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200008854A1 (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2020-01-09 | David B. Plotkin | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US10588640B2 (en) | 2015-07-22 | 2020-03-17 | Aesculap Ag | Space-saving ratchet unit with freewheel |
US10702284B2 (en) * | 2015-07-22 | 2020-07-07 | Aesculap Ag | Tool fitting attachment for a surgical drill with additional manual drive unit, and surgical drill |
WO2021048789A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-03-18 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Driver and system for threaded intramedullary nail retaining endcaps |
EP3787537A4 (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2021-06-23 | Field Orthopaedics Pty Ltd | Surgical handle |
WO2021168057A1 (en) * | 2020-02-21 | 2021-08-26 | Neotract, Inc. | Apparatus for preventing device deployment failure |
WO2023079176A3 (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2023-06-15 | Medos International Sarl | Bone screw inserters |
US20230211476A1 (en) * | 2022-01-04 | 2023-07-06 | Yu-Hua Ou | Constant torque tool |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US12023014B2 (en) | 2020-04-10 | 2024-07-02 | Nextremity Solutions, Inc. | Ratcheting handle for medical instrument |
US11944502B2 (en) | 2020-04-10 | 2024-04-02 | Medartis Ag | Torque limiting ratcheting handle for medical instrument |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7347129B1 (en) * | 2006-10-13 | 2008-03-25 | Phoenix Communications Technologies International | Tool operable for connecting a male F-type coaxial cable connector |
Family Cites Families (8)
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US2948173A (en) * | 1959-04-15 | 1960-08-09 | Paul F Herrmann | Hand tool with adjustable torque release |
US6308598B1 (en) | 1998-11-23 | 2001-10-30 | O'neil Michael J. | Modular torque-limiting driver system for medical applications |
US7188556B1 (en) | 2004-10-12 | 2007-03-13 | Pilling Weck Incorporated | Rotatable hand tool with a torque controller and method |
US20060236822A1 (en) | 2005-04-26 | 2006-10-26 | Nish Jeffery L | Threaded member driver with retention system |
US10413345B2 (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2019-09-17 | David B. Plotkin | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US9107721B2 (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2015-08-18 | David B. Plotkin | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US9757175B2 (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2017-09-12 | David B. Plotkin | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
CH713952A1 (en) * | 2017-07-03 | 2019-01-15 | Hl Tech Sa | Medical device for dynamometric tightening. |
-
2017
- 2017-09-11 US US15/700,774 patent/US10413345B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2019
- 2019-09-16 US US16/571,916 patent/US20200008854A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7347129B1 (en) * | 2006-10-13 | 2008-03-25 | Phoenix Communications Technologies International | Tool operable for connecting a male F-type coaxial cable connector |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200008854A1 (en) * | 2010-11-12 | 2020-01-09 | David B. Plotkin | Universal bone screw screwdriver |
US10588640B2 (en) | 2015-07-22 | 2020-03-17 | Aesculap Ag | Space-saving ratchet unit with freewheel |
US10702284B2 (en) * | 2015-07-22 | 2020-07-07 | Aesculap Ag | Tool fitting attachment for a surgical drill with additional manual drive unit, and surgical drill |
EP3787537A4 (en) * | 2018-05-25 | 2021-06-23 | Field Orthopaedics Pty Ltd | Surgical handle |
WO2021048789A1 (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2021-03-18 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Driver and system for threaded intramedullary nail retaining endcaps |
CN114401686A (en) * | 2019-09-12 | 2022-04-26 | 德普伊新特斯产品公司 | Driver and system for threaded intramedullary nail retaining end cap |
US11523854B2 (en) | 2019-09-12 | 2022-12-13 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Driver and system for threaded intramedullary nail retaining endcaps |
WO2021168057A1 (en) * | 2020-02-21 | 2021-08-26 | Neotract, Inc. | Apparatus for preventing device deployment failure |
US11701197B2 (en) | 2020-02-21 | 2023-07-18 | Teleflex Life Sciences Limited | Apparatus for preventing device deployment failure |
WO2023079176A3 (en) * | 2021-11-08 | 2023-06-15 | Medos International Sarl | Bone screw inserters |
US20230211476A1 (en) * | 2022-01-04 | 2023-07-06 | Yu-Hua Ou | Constant torque tool |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US10413345B2 (en) | 2019-09-17 |
US20200008854A1 (en) | 2020-01-09 |
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